New Office for National Statistics figures show that the average private rent in Ipswich reached £897 per month in the year to August, up from £810 a year ago and 28% higher than five years ago.
Why it matters: The steep rise puts increased financial pressure on renters in Ipswich as rent costs outpace wage growth across the UK.
The big picture: Ipswich's 11% rent increase exceeds both the East of England regional average of 8% and the Great Britain average of 8%.
The average rent in the East of England is now £1,167 per month.
Nationally, the average private rent hit £1,286 in August, up £100 from a year ago.
By the numbers: The figures also show the different costs for various homes in Ipswich, from £664 for a one-bed property to £1,350 for a home with four or more bedrooms in August:
A detached house costs £1,177 to rent per month
A semi-detached costs £949 per month
A terraced house was £868 per month
And a flat or maisonette was £785 a month
What they're saying: "This isn't news to renters, who have been feeling this squeeze for a very long time as our landlords snatch away more and more of our wages," said Ben Twomey, chief executive of campaign group Generation Rent.
Polly Neate, Shelter's chief executive, said: "A severe shortage of genuinely affordable social homes has forced millions of people to rely on the private rented sector, with rents continuing to soar as a result."
She added: "With competition fierce, private renters have no choice but to pay over the odds just to keep a roof over their heads."
The other side: A Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government spokesperson said the government's Renters' Rights Bill would introduce protections against "unreasonable rent increases" and empower tenants to challenge such increases at a tribunal.
What's next: Housing campaigners are calling for:
Rent increase protections in the Renters' Rights Bill
More affordable housing construction
Investment in social housing
The bottom line: With competition fierce in the rental market, Ipswich renters face tough choices as costs continue to climb faster than wages.
